Voluntary Action (Motor Skill) Action resulting from higher-order (cognitive) processing.
Make conscious decision for action. Involves a flexible, variable neural network. Involves
executives and other things behind the scenes.
Characteristics of Voluntary Action (Motor Skill) 1. Longer latency (slower). Intricate and
complex.
2. Adaptable/can be novel. Response varies.
3. Conscious awareness precedes response.
4. Response related to but not determined by stimulus. Not always necessary to perform the
action.
5. Learned through experience.
6. Can be protective or harmful. Can be errorful if new.
Latency Amount of time from stimulus to response.
Motor Skill (Voluntary Movement) Activity or task requiring voluntary control over
movement of joins and body segments to achieve a goal. Ranges from whole body to small, fine
movement.
1. Task perspective.
2. Performance proficiency perspective.
Task Perspective A specific type of action/skill.
1. Size of muscle groups involved. Typically related to precision/control (gross, fine, or mixed).
2. Task organization. Number of steps involved (discrete, serial, or continuous).
3. Predictability of the environment. Constant/changing (open or closed). Consider involvement
of others and need for adaptation.
, Performance Proficiency Perspective Level of skill. Capability vs skill. Both are subject to
change through practice, ageing, or injury (throughout lifetime).
1. Maximizing certainty of goal achievement. Meeting performance goals accurately and
consistently.
2. Maximizing efficient use of energy. Minimizing wasted energy. Specified time for each
movement.
3. Maximizing efficient use of time with motor skill to achieve results. Minimizing time spent on
non-goal tasks.
Gross Skills (Muscle Groups/Accuracy/Control) Use large muscles of the body. No
accuracy/control needed.
Fine Skills (Muscle Groups/Accuracy/Control) Small, intricate muscle groups. Accuracy
andcontrol.
Mixed Skills (Muscle Groups/Accuracy/Control) Large muscle groups but need accuracy and
control.
Discrete Skills (Task Organization) Uniquely defined beginning and end.
Serial Skills (Task Organization) Several discrete skills connected in a specific sequence.
Series of steps for movement.
Continuous Skills (Task Organization) Action does not have a distinct beginning and end.
Cyclical/rhythmic movement.
Closed Skills (Environmental Predictability) Environment is predictable and does not change
from moment to moment. No involvement of others or need for adaptation.